Why do you need an aerator for the mixer and how to change it yourself?

Faucet aerator - device functions, how to choose by type, material of manufacture and cost

Smart people have come up with a device that saves water without reducing its flow. The aerator for the mixer (diffuser, sprayer) is not just a mesh filter, but a very convenient nozzle. Men and women who consider it unnecessary are thinking wrong. What is the device and why do knowledgeable housewives seek to purchase it?

What is an aerator in a mixer

The water divider on the faucet is a small nozzle mounted on the spout.The aerator body is made of plastic, pressed metal, ceramic or brass, inside there is a plastic module with a filter system and a rubber / silicone gasket. Without these nets, the water consumption can be 15 liters per minute, with them the figure is almost halved.

All modern faucets are equipped with diffusers. In addition to saving water, the aerator contributes to:

• improving the quality of the jet - without a sprayer, sprays fly in different directions, the pressure is too strong and sometimes difficult to regulate,
• saturation of water with oxygen and a decrease in the concentration of active chlorine,
• purification of water from large particles,
• reduce the noise level during the operation of the mixer.

Principle of operation

The meshes in the body are placed in a certain sequence. The first two direct the jet of water from the inside and act as a coarse filter. The outer grids are equipped with holes of the same or different sizes, through which air is sucked in and mixed with water. As a result, a foamy, milky jet emerges from the central hole. With good water quality, you need to change the metal nozzle every year or less (depending on the quality of the atomizer), bad water requires more frequent replacement. The diffuser needs to be cleaned every few months.

Types of aerators for mixers

The simplest faucet sprayer is a small round nozzle with metal meshes that is threaded (screwed) to the faucet spout. A standard atomizer comes with any faucet. Over time, it must be replaced by a model with a similar external or internal thread. If you want to buy an aerator for a faucet "with options", take a look at the following types.

Turning

Still such aerators are called flexible. The appearance of the device is different:

• In the form of a flexible hose that is attached to the spout of the mixer. The design regulates the strength of the water flow, provides the ability to collect water in large containers that do not melt under the spout.
• In the form of a soul. The sprayer is equipped with movable watering cans, due to which it moves within the sink. Works in two modes: jet or spray. The hostess can easily adjust the slope of the watering cans and the intensity of the water flow.

backlit

Technology does not stand still, and leading plumbing manufacturers present unusual models. Faucet aerator with LEDs colors the water jet depending on the temperature:

• up to 29°C - green,
• 30-38°С - blue,
• more than 39 ° C - red.

This is possible due to the presence of thermal sensors inside. A special nozzle for the mixer does not require additional sources of electricity, it is autonomous. The rotation of the built-in turbine feeds the LED bulbs. Maximum operating temperature: +60°С. A water aerator with backlight is convenient when there is a small child in the house - you can immediately see by the color of the stream what temperature range it is in. Also, a bright jet will interest the baby and make bathing more joyful. The device looks especially attractive in the interior of modern and high-tech style.

If you want to reduce water consumption by more than half, choose vacuum devices. In Moscow, they are found in almost every good plumbing store. The price of nozzles is noticeably higher than that of conventional models, but it quickly pays off. Buying an aerator to save water is a great solution, because the vacuum system makes the flow very low (1.1 l / min.).Models are equipped with a special valve that strongly compresses the water for a further release of a powerful jet.

Faucet aerator

Faucet aerator - device functions, how to choose by type, material of manufacture and cost Is it true that a faucet aerator can cut water consumption in half? The nozzle has important advantages, especially if it is released by a global plumbing manufacturer

Faucet aerator

Today, I made a copy of the key in the nearest shopping mall and, while waiting for the work to be done, walked around the shopping center. In one of the hardware stores I saw him:

I needed this aerator, I asked for it from the seller, who looked at me like this:

I had to point my finger at him and specify what kind of thread I need. And they come in at least two types: with internal thread and external. (there are still all sorts of fashionable ones, but about them below).

I am somewhat surprised that people still do not know what an aerator is and what it is for. I had to explain very briefly. Briefly, it is like this: it serves to add air to the water flow, which reduces water consumption.

If in more detail about the advantages of this simple thing:

Saving water consumption. In normal mode, up to 15 liters of water can flow through the tap in one minute. If you equip it with a nozzle, the flow rate can be reduced by half to 6-7 liters per minute.

Reducing the noise level of plumbing equipment. It is noticed that the water supplied with air is less noisy.

Improvement of water quality. During aeration, the water is saturated with oxygen. Due to this, the percentage of chlorine, which is hazardous to human health, is reduced.

Water passed through the aerator washes away detergents used when bathing or washing dishes better.

Reduced spatter and better flow around objects.

Really cheap thing, I bought one for only 50 rubles.

There is a misconception that the aerator is used to purify water from debris, but this is a myth, because. the grid in it is not for this. To clean the water from debris, they put filters in front of the water meters and seal them together.

The aerator must be cleaned of dirt, because. the mesh in it has a hole size smaller than that of the input filter. It is enough to do this once a month or after the next water shutdown. Once every few years it is better to change it, because. the sealing ring deteriorates, the mesh holes are clogged, and for cheap ones, the mesh rusts or falls off. Because the thing is cheap, does not require special replacement skills, so you can do it yourself. You may need a wrench to unscrew it, but it happens that it is easy to unscrew it by hand. When buying a new faucet, I advise you to immediately unscrew the aerator and tighten it only with your hands, so as not to resort to tools in the future.

There are also cool aerators with a flow limiter, with flow deflection, with the ability to switch to shower mode and, of course, with backlight (by temperature). The cool ones cost more, much more. But as practice shows, it makes no sense to pay more than $ 2 or 100 rubles for it. The thing is very simple and necessary.

Z.Y. you can kick, because This post was written with emotion.

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104 comments

I had a case - they changed risers in the house. 6 floors were changed - hot water, cold water and a canal at the same time. Well, they changed everything, everything was connected, water was turned on - there are no complaints, everything is fine.Satisfied, they went to their locksmith's to change clothes, since they were transported all day, after all, it was a hemorrhoid business in places.

And then the call. The dispatcher is calling. He says that the complaint from the N-twelfth apartment is poor water pressure. Well, I think - either the filter was knocked out, or the hoses on the mixer. It happens, it's a small thing.

I come to the apartment - people are polite, they don’t swear, they don’t scandal, they just complain, they say, they changed the risers, but we didn’t have pressure before, and now there really isn’t. I open the faucet in the kitchen - yes, indeed. A trickle as thick as a cigarette. And in the bathroom (on the same wiring), water flows normally. Hoses? Yes, hardly. Not both at the same time, and even the same. I unscrew the aerator, unscrew it with my hands, it went easily. There, of course, a lot of scale and sand. I screw it back, open it - the pressure is normal. The owners have eyes on a nickel! I say, they say, why are you surprised - well, the garbage was brought, the mesh is small, it happens. They answer, we have been living with such pressure for six years!

Six years, Carl! And no complaints, no applications, no attempts to figure it out! Angelic Patience!

Faucet aerator Thing on the tap - aerator

Aerator selection criteria

The correct choice of device should be based on the following factors:

• type and device of the aerator;
• type of threaded connection;
• device cost.

Types of aerators and the average cost of devices

All devices designed to save water can be divided into:

• mobile;
• stationary. This type is one of the cheapest. The average cost of the device is 40-70 rubles ($0.5-1).

Fixed Water Saver

The movable aerator allows you to change the flow of water depending on the desire of the user. The water flow can be:

• in the form of a single jet;
• in the form of a soul.

Mobile Device Operation Methods

Depending on the method of changing the type of jet, the devices differ in:

rotary, that is, a change in the type of water inflow occurs by rotating the corresponding part of the device. The cost of such devices is 150-300 rubles ($2-4);

Device adjustable by turning the main part

clamping, when the jet is changed due to pressure (pulling) on ​​the body of the device. The average price of the device is similar to the cost of a rotary aerator.

Up and down adjustable device

Some aerators are equipped with the function of changing the color of the water flow

Often, new faucets are already equipped with aerators, and you do not need to purchase an additional device.

The second classification of aerators involves the division of devices depending on the material used for manufacturing. Distinguish:

• plastic devices, characterized by low cost and a short period of use (the average cost is 40-60 rubles);
• metal devices made of steel, brass or bronze. Metal aerators are designed for approximately 5-7 years of use. The cost of devices on average is 150 - 300 rubles ($ 2-1), depending on the type of metal. The cheapest are steel aerators, and the most expensive are devices made of bronze;
• devices whose body is made of metal, and the internal elements are made of ceramics. Ceramics is less whimsical to the effects of water and impurities contained in it, so the service life of such products is 10-12 years. At the same time, the cost of devices increases to 350-500 rubles ($5-7).

Carving on the aerator

The second important factor to consider is the thread of the mixer aerator.There are two main points to note here:

thread size. When selecting a device, you should rely on the dimension of the thread on the faucet spout. The thread on the aerator must fully match the thread on the faucet;

Selection of an aerator according to the size of the thread on the faucet

thread location. The valve can be equipped with an internal or external thread.

If the spout has an external thread, the appliance must be equipped with an internal thread.

Faucet Mounting Devices with Male Thread

If the faucet has an internal thread, then you must purchase an aerator with an external thread.

Device for installation on a faucet with internal thread

If you can’t find an aerator with the desired thread, then you can use a special adapter from one type of thread to another to install the device.

How does an aerator work and why is water saved?

The device got its name from the process that it creates. "Aeration" in Greek means "air", and the process itself is a natural saturation of water flows with air.

It is carried out by passing bubbles through the liquid.

Due to the fact that in the process of aeration, air is in close contact with water, the jet is more uniform and at the same time soft

The main purpose of the aerator nozzle on the faucet is to reduce water consumption. According to some reports, using this simple device, you can reduce water consumption by up to 50%. Without an aerator, water flows from the tap in a continuous stream.

And acting through the nozzle, saturated with air bubbles, the jet loses its elasticity, acquiring a seething appearance. The soft atomized stream of water does not splash, hitting the walls of the sink or dishes, but gently washes them.

This technology is not new.But over the decades, it has undergone a number of changes. The first models of aerators were devices in the form of metal discs equipped with holes. But despite the presence of a protective screen, such devices quickly clogged and failed.

Modern models of nozzles are equipped with perforated discs, the holes of which are much larger, and multi-stage filtration systems.

Despite the fact that modern nozzles have larger holes, they also become clogged with lime deposits that are present in tap water over time.

Modern models are designs that include three main elements:

• The case, made of plastic or metal, protects the structure from mechanical damage.
• A modular system in the form of a slotted cartridge or a disc reflector with small holes is responsible for mixing water with air and in parallel acts as a water restrictor.
• The sealing ring, made of dense rubber, ensures the sealing of the connection between the nozzle and the faucet.

The filter of the device is a set of fine-mesh nets laid in a cylindrical glass sequentially one after the other. The first two layers are coarse water treatment and at the same time they set the direction of the jet, the next ones mix water with air.

The designs of aerators from different manufacturers may vary slightly. In the simplest models, the nozzle looks like a plastic insert, in more expensive modernized devices - a multi-stage mesh filter.

The flow of water, passing through thin slots, crashes into the disk and breaks into tiny drops, which, in turn, mix with air.

The nozzle is fixed to the mixer by means of a threaded connection. On sale you can find nozzles with both an internal thread with a diameter of 22 mm, and with an external section of 24 mm. They are intended for mixer installations bathtubs, wash basins and kitchen sinks.

When installing an aerator on a faucet, the consumer's task is only to determine, when buying a nozzle, which thread is provided on the mixer.

If the tap spout is not equipped with a thread, it will be possible to install the aerator only after replacing the mixer.

This is interesting: Futorka - what such in plumbing and heating, kinds

Water saver in the form of a faucet nozzle true or false

By the way, some aerators are made of plastic.

Faucet aerator nozzle: why is it needed?

As you probably already guessed, one of the main purposes of the aerator on the mixer is to filter the incoming drinking water. The fact is that although water goes through various levels of purification before it enters the water supply, it still contains small particles. These are, first of all, pebbles, elements of rust, scale that appear in water when it comes into contact with water pipes. Despite their very small size, these particles perfectly settle on the mesh surface of the aerator.

However, this is not the only purpose of the filter nozzle. Another purpose of using an aerator is to conserve water. Agree, we all love to wash our hands or dishes under a large stream of water. The aerator allows you to save it, because, by separating tap water into mesh layers, it mixes air bubbles into it.Thanks to this, the flow of water from the mixer visually seems to us large, although in fact it is less than what we are used to. In addition, the aerator for the faucet serves to level the jet, it always flows instantly and without delay. But in those taps that do not have this nozzle, the jet flows crookedly and splashes.

As you can see, the faucet aerator is a necessary accessory.

What are faucet aerators?

Now almost every mixer includes this nozzle. Most often there is a rotary aerator for the mixer, thanks to which we can, by combining cold and hot water, get a pleasant warm jet at the outlet.

But for lovers of original little things, an aerator for a faucet with backlight is suitable. It has built-in diodes with a temperature sensor, which is powered by a microturbine. When you turn on the water, the sink is illuminated by a pleasant soft light coming from the tip of the tap. Moreover, depending on the temperature of the jet, the color changes: at a temperature of less than 29 ⁰С, green lighting comes out, at 30-38 ⁰С - blue, and above 39⁰С - red. By the way, with the help of this attachment, the process of teaching children to wash their hands will be much faster.

In houses with excellent tap water pressure, you can install a rotating faucet aerator. Thanks to the hinges built into it, it is possible to switch between normal jet or shower mode, or direct the jet – all you have to do is turn the nozzle.

When buying a faucet or a separate aerator, it is important to pay attention to the materials from which the nozzle is made. The aerator consists of a housing, mesh filters and a rubber gasket.The case can be metal or plastic, the latter option being cheaper, but short-lived and cannot withstand the strong pressure of tap water

The case can be metal or plastic, the latter option being cheaper, but short-lived and cannot withstand the strong pressure of tap water

However, the metal case is not of the same quality: it is better to give preference to brass, but pressed metal is not much more durable than plastic.

The case can be metal or plastic, the latter option being cheaper, but short-lived and cannot withstand the strong pressure of tap water. However, the metal case is not of the same quality: it is better to give preference to brass, but pressed metal is not much more durable than plastic.

Care rules

In order for the device for economical water consumption to work correctly, it is necessary to ensure timely cleaning of the filter system from clogging. The quality and intensity of the flow depends on the serviceability of the device. Over time, solid particles and plumbing debris accumulate in the mesh membranes of the aerator, and the device ceases to perform its functions. The main signs of malfunctions are low pressure, a minimum amount of air bubbles, jet unevenness and the absence of a characteristic hissing sound. The procedure for dismantling, cleaning and reinstalling the instrument is as follows:

1. With a locksmith key or pliers with wrapped paws, carefully unscrew the aerator, trying not to damage the faucet tip. You can wrap the head of the device with a rag.
2. It is necessary to use a key of 22, grabbing the device by flat edges located diametrically opposite each other.Rotate the aerator clockwise.
3. After that, the rubber seal is hooked and pulled out of the mixer, thoroughly washed with water and its condition is checked. A worn or deformed gasket must be replaced.
4. The aerator is sequentially disassembled, pulling out the filters from the housing. Small holes in the spherical mesh element are cleaned with an awl or needle, washed under strong water pressure.
5. If salt deposits remain on the filters, they must be removed using a special composition. For example, you can put the nets in apple cider vinegar or detergent.
6. After cleaning, the aerator is assembled in the reverse order and screwed into the faucet or onto the mixer counterclockwise. To do this, use pliers, a key or pliers.

Rubber seals must not be cleaned with chemicals. If the gaskets are worn out, it is not recommended to put them back into the aerator - the products must be replaced. When tightening the device, do not act on the economizer with great force, so as not to strip the thread. Before use, check the tightness of the connections, if necessary, tighten the device a little harder. The process of cleaning or replacing the aerator is not difficult.

The economizer works by mixing water and air. As a result, the device makes noise during operation, which causes some discomfort. To reduce the noise level of the device, it is recommended to check the condition of the filters. If they become dirty, the flow dries up, and the water can “swirl” in places where debris accumulates the most. This creates noise that can be reduced by cleaning the fixture.

How to dismantle/install aerators and clean them?

Usually, aerators come with water taps, so initially it becomes necessary to dismantle them for cleaning, and not vice versa. Tap water contains various impurities that cause sediment on the filter meshes, which leads to a decrease in water pressure, up to the complete cessation of its outflow from the tap. Based on this, it becomes necessary to dismantle the aerator in order to clean it or completely replace it, if it is not possible to restore the operability of this device. To do this, you must adhere to the following procedure:

1. Use a special key for locksmith work or ordinary pliers to dismantle the aerator. You can also try to unscrew the nozzle by hand, but this usually does not work, because over time the threaded connection accumulates sediment, which prevents unscrewing. On the aerator body there are two notches that provide gripping tool. In this case, it is necessary to unscrew the nozzle clockwise, starting from the view from above. In order not to scratch the case, wrap the pliers, for example, with electrical tape or other suitable material.
2. After the nozzle has been dismantled, remove the gasket and check for wear. If the condition of the rubber (silicone) ring is unsatisfactory, then take care of replacing it.
3. The next step is to proceed directly to the disassembly of the aerator. To do this, remove all filters in the form of grids and clean the cells with a needle, an awl and (or) a toothbrush under running water.Such an operation does not always end in success, since not all types of deposits can be removed mechanically. Which makes us turn to a chemical cleaning method using apple cider vinegar, which can be replaced with any detergent used in everyday life. In particular, it is necessary to place the filters in the agent of your choice until the deposits are completely dissolved. To remove rust, you can turn to special chemical compounds that are designed to care for plumbing equipment.

Video: Cleaning the faucet filter

If the cleaning of all elements of the aerator was successful, then you can proceed to the installation of the device, trying to repeat your previous steps related to dismantling in reverse order

In this case, one important condition must be observed in relation to the filter meshes, which must be laid so that the edges of the cells of each layer form an angle of 45 ° to the other layer

Before you begin to install the nozzle, be sure to make sure that the rubber ring gasket is in place. Otherwise, it will not be possible to achieve sealing, and this will cause a leak. During installation, the aerator should be twisted counterclockwise without fanaticism, observing the principle of applying efforts only to the right extent and no more. If you do not follow this advice, then you can easily ruin the nozzle. or faucet tap.

Since aerators are different, in particular, to a certain extent, high-tech, with regard to backlit devices, the question may arise: how to install such models? The answer here can be one, implying that the installation of backlit aerators is done in the same way as traditional devices of this type.

Cleaning and installation technology

The bath aerator works like a filter. If it is clogged, water simply will not pass through it. The reason for this may be the settling of rust on the pipes and the accumulation of sand present in the water.

Dismantling the device

If cleaning is necessary or if a failed device is replaced with a new one, the first step is to dismantle the aerator. On the body of the nozzle there are two faces located diametrically opposite to each other. Holding these edges between the fingers, the device must be rotated clockwise.

If rotation is difficult, use pliers or a wrench.

To prevent damage to the coating when unscrewing with pliers, wrap the outside of the aerator or the pliers themselves with a cotton napkin or electrical tape

Work should be done as carefully as possible so as not to break the thread and not damage the surface of the product.

Structural disassembly

It is not difficult to disassemble the structure. It is only necessary to gradually remove the plastic meshes with small cells sequentially laid in a cylindrical glass.

After removing the nozzle, carefully remove the rubber gasket and assess its condition. To remove the filter cylinder, gently press on the mesh from the side of the outlet of the water jet.

The mesh filter of the water spray nozzle tends to be constantly clogged with mineral salts and fine lime deposits.

You can detach the coarse mesh filter by prying it through the slot in the side of the cylinder with a screwdriver blade. After removing the mesh filter, it is necessary to disconnect the spherical mesh from it by gently prying it with the tip of a knife.

Cleaning the strainer

The dismantled meshes must be cleaned of debris by rinsing with an old toothbrush.

If, after washing, small particles still remain in the cells, the grids will have to be disconnected from each other and washed separately.

You can achieve the desired result by applying a mechanical method using an ordinary needle or a wooden toothpick.

If the contamination from the mesh filter cannot be removed mechanically, place the nozzle for half an hour in a container with apple cider vinegar. An acidic environment will easily dissolve all mineral deposits.

The treatment of elements with special chemical compositions designed to care for faience sanitary equipment helps to eliminate rust deposits.

Reassembly

Having cleaned all the elements, it remains only to assemble the device and install it in its original place

When assembling the structure, it is important to observe one rule: lay the filter meshes in layers so that the wires that form the cells are located at an angle of 45 ° relative to each other

Before installing the nozzle, do not forget to lay the rubber washer. You need to twist the device counterclockwise, without applying excessive force.

To test the operation of the device, open the water.If a leak is found from under the nozzle head, slightly tighten the structure with pliers.

Illuminated aerators are connected using the same technology as traditional models. They do not require any additional power sources, as they are equipped with a generator that generates electricity on its own.

The installation process of the aerator is clearly described in the video:

Installing an aerator significantly affects the water pressure, so you can achieve significant savings. This is especially valuable when water meters are installed in the house.

Top 10 faucets with nozzles

1. Wasser CRAFT Berkel 4811 thermo. Long service life.
2. GROEGROETERM 1000 New 34155003. Existence of a thermostat and sprayer.
3. ORAS NOVA 7446 is the most purchased model.
4. GROE GROETERM-1000 kitchen. Installed 3 stage filter.
5. GROE KONSETO 32663001. Attractive ratio of price and consumer properties.
6. JACOB DELAFON CARAFIE E18865. Sold with a spare filter unit.
7. LEMARK COMFORT LM3061C. Attracts the price.
8. Wasser CRAFT Aller 1063 universal. Ceramic cartridge.
9. Wasser CRAFT Aller 1062L - price and performance complement each other.
10. ORAS SOLINA 1996Y. Attractive price. Assembled in the same place where it is produced.